HK football team's Nepal friendly cancelled over political tensions

The Hong Kong football team's scheduled friendly match against Nepal in Kathmandu on March 26 has been cancelled due to the tense political situation in Nepal, the Hong Kong Football Association announced on Sunday.

The Nepal Football Association informed the HKFA that the match could not proceed as planned and offered its apologies. The HKFA said it understood the decision and has adjusted its logistics accordingly. The team will now remain in Hong Kong to prepare for their final Asian Cup qualifier away against India on March 31.

The team had been scheduled to depart for Nepal on Monday evening. Local supporters' group "Hong Kong Power", which had organized an away cheering squad, said some fans had already arrived in Nepal. An estimated 30 to 50 supporters are affected, and the group is in communication with relevant authorities.